Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda is a siren, luring luxury vacationers seeking to enjoy its emerald green waters and chic lifestyle. But what keeps them there is just how easy it is to slip into relax mode. Beautiful waters and landscape do that to you. And the Aga Khan would know because he chose the Gallura region as site of luxury getaways.
What keeps people coming back isn’t just the luxury. It’s the life style. Sardinia is ranked as one of only five “Blue Zones” in the world for its longer-than-norm life spans, thanks to a centuries-old culture of slow living, clean air, and locavore cusine. Here’s where and how to recharge, relax and enjoy the Costa Smeralda.
(Photo: Marriott International)
Destination Porto Cervo
Arriving in Costa Smeralda is always epic but how to get there? You can fly from any of Italy’s major airports (as well as international hubs) to Olbia, take a ferry from Civitavecchia or sail your yacht to Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo, the two port cities.
My favorite hotels are Hotel Romazzino, with its private beach and Hotel Cala di Volpe, a mecca for those who want to keep a low profile while enjoying the Costa Smeralda’s sun and sand. Both hotels have beach access, private pools, outdoor sports and incredible restaurants that host Michelin star chefs.
Guests can find Equilibrium Menu dishes at Romazzino Restaurant.
Outdoor activity
We spend most of our time going from beach to beach- Principe, Celvia, Cappricioli and more. Bring a beach umbrella, towels and some change for parking and snacks. Divers head Cannigione, a vast stretch of beautiful sands and pristine beach just west east of Porto Cervo. The modern port town is a great spot for scuba diving or snorkeling.
If beaches bore you, kick it into high gear on the Pevero Health Trail, an eight-mile hiking and biking trail. Starting from the Romazzino, the trail includes pedicured paths that wind around the Pevero Golf Course. For those looking for a power workout, there are inclines and fitness stations at each kilometer.
Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo and Poltu Quatu are the Costa Smeralda’s jewels, beautiful curated towns of urban planning, luxury brands, and fine dining. By day, they are bustling with families and friends all looking to socialize, by evening, even more so- they are the nightlife.
Want something different less pedicured? Drive out to San Pantaleo, a tiny mountain village that has been existed for centuries.
A version article first appeared in Marriott Bonvoy Traveller, July 2019.
